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the house, and with pleasantest emotions I here 
awaited the happy couple whom I knew would 
soon seek me. In a short time, father and 
daughter, united again after six long weary 
years of terrible separation, left the house and 
arm in arm came to join me beneath the oid 
oak that had been silent witness to varied and 
numerous meetings between the old hermit 
and me. 
After a most enjoyable half hour of happy 
discussion of the great joy that had come to all 
of us within a few short days, we returned to 
the house, where Petro was preparing the even- 
ing meal. I had previously informed him that 
we were favored with the presence of a young 
lady visitor, a friend of mine, and I warned 
him to prepare a meal worthy of the occasion. 
He proved equal to the emergency, and soon 
summoned us from the “den” to partake of 
the evening meal. 
The old hermit and his truly happy child 
went into the dining-room, while I summoned 
Petro to his master’s presence. I soon found 
the faithful fellow busy in the kitchen, and led 
him into the dining-room, where the other mem- 
bers of the party were awaiting him. As I 
entered the room I stepped aside and thus gave 
Petro a full, clear view of its occupants. Quickly 
gazing into the face of his beloved master to re- 
ceive his commands, Petro became somewhat 
embarrassed by the presence of the beautiful 
young lady clinging to his master’s arm. For 
